LAVO, a start-up company based in Australia, has produced the world’s first renewable, hydrogen-powered energy system. The system takes the form of a battery that, when fully charged, can power the average home for three days.
The battery works in tandem with solar power panels. While solar power is a fantastic source of clean energy, it can be inefficient, particularly if there is low-sunlight, or you are in a part of the world that doesn't get strong sunlight all year round.
The LAVO battery works by taking the energy from solar-power panels and storing it in the battery. The battery uses a system based on electrolysis whereby energy is generated from stored hydrogen.
All one has to do is plug the battery into the water mains and their solar-panels. Electrolysis, powered by a portion of the solar-energy, removes the hydrogen atoms from the water. The hydrogen is then stored within the battery and used for energy when the solar-panels themselves are insufficient. The total power-storage capacity is three times greater than a traditional rechargeable lithium battery unit of equal size.
The company states:
"LAVO is an Australian technology and lifestyle company powered by hydrogen. We are commercialising the "first of its kind" hydrogen energy storage system set to integrate with solar energy systems to power homes and businesses. The LAVO system is the next generation of green energy storage which acts as a 'solar sponge', integrating with rooftop solar to capture and store renewable energy for use when your household or business needs it. The LAVO system offers superior energy density, sustainability, longevity and lifetime cost savings in comparison to other available energy storage systems. At LAVO, we are passionately committed to changing the way people live with energy."
Already the battery is being hailed as a huge step towards a greener more sustainable future. The battery itself is expected to last for 30 years and is entirely recyclable.
The battery isn't cheap though, it costs $29,500 and is the size of a refrigerator, meaning it may not be suitable for all homesteads. A number of large businesses in Australia have already signed orders for the batteries at their premises.
This is just one of a huge range of fantastic innovations from scientists and companies from across the world aimed at fighting climate change by embracing green energy.
[h/t: Good News Network]
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